When it comes to home security, you can look at it through many different eyes. You can take a look around you and make assumptions about what will keep your home secure. Or you can look at home security through the eyes of people that see the opposite side of things – law enforcement. People that respond to situations after the worst happens often see blatant mistakes made that could have prevented the problems in the first place.
If you had 10 minutes to sit down with a law enforcement officer and ask him how best to secure your home from theft and burglary, what advice would he give you?

Secure your home from the inside. This includes utilizing deadbolts on the doors and strong locks on the windows. You should also store any valuables in a safe to ensure their protection in the event of a home invasion.

Invest in an alarm system. The initial cost of a security system is well worth it when the system deters a criminal from breaking into your home. A security system will give you the peace of mind you need when you are away from home or sleeping. Many security systems offer 24/7 monitoring to ensure that you have immediate contact with the authorities in an emergency.

Use your good sense. When you leave your home or go to bed at night, make sure your doors and windows are locked and secure. Many homeowners forget to lock the door or a window while they run to the store – only to come back and find their home was invaded. Securing a home never stops – stay on your toes at all times.

Enlist the help of your neighbors. Knowing your neighbors and keeping in touch with them will ensure that you develop a good relationship. Neighbors tend to keep an eye on things when another neighbor is gone. Develop a good rapport, and you and your neighbors can watch over the neighborhood together.

Consider surveillance systems and a good dog. Criminals do not want to battle a large guard dog just to gain access to your home. The rumbling bark of a dog is a great deterrent to would-be thieves. The installation of cameras can provide you with video footage of criminals to help law enforcement locate criminals in the event of a break-in.

Secure your home on the outside. Make sure you use good lighting on the exterior of your home to deter criminals. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from your home.